Plans for a new wooden kiosk selling refreshments at Promenade Park's Pirate Bay Adventure Golf course have been given the thumbs-down by Maldon Town Council.

Members of the town council's Planning Committee last night (Monday, 8 March) voted to recommend that the proposal for the kiosk is refused. The final decision on the application will be made by Maldon District Council in due course, with the town council's views noted.

The plans are for a timber kiosk with two serving hatches occupying a currently empty corner of the attraction's fenced space, close to wooden seating.

Councillors felt that the structure was too big and so the reasons given for rejection were "bulk and scale" as well as "over development of the site".

The debate also focussed on whether the new place to buy refreshments would provide unwelcome competition for other established kiosks at the Prom.

Councillor Peter Stilts said: "It should be in keeping with the surrounding buildings."

However, two councillors abstained from the vote, including Councillor Michael Pearlman, who said: "I think we should support business at a time like this."

The proposal to refuse the plans was voted through with five for and two abstentions.